Method for providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer

ABSTRACT

A method for providing a compartmentalized platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer, whereby the foodstuffs are first placed into individual containers which fit into the compartments of the platter, such that the consumer has great flexibility in selecting and arranging the foodstuffs to be included with the platter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the retail sale offoodstuffs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a methodfor providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer, wherebythe consumer has great flexibility in selecting the foodstuffs to beincluded with the platter.

2. Description of Prior Art

So-called “party platters” are well known in the food retail industry.These platters are typically segmented into compartments, with eachcompartment filled with a type of foodstuff, such as a vegetable orfruit or meat or cheese. Then the contents are enclosed by some type ofcovering device to retain the foodstuffs in the platter. The selectionof foodstuffs and arrangement thereof on the platter is done by theretailer (or perhaps a wholesale distributor), with the completedplatters displayed for consumers to purchase.

While this concept allows busy consumers to quickly purchase a varietyof foodstuffs, it has several disadvantages. First, consumers may notlike the particular selection of foodstuffs placed onto a platter, ormore likely, will like some but not all of the particular selection offoodstuffs placed onto a platter. This leads to the consumer eitherforegoing the purchase of the platter, or purchasing a platter that isless desirable to the consumer than it could be. Second, different typesof foodstuffs have different shelf lives; the platter is only viable forsale for the period of the shelf life of the foodstuff quickest tospoil. At that time, even if other foodstuffs in the platter are stillsaleable, the platter as a whole must be withdrawn from sale. Both ofthese disadvantages lead to increased “shrink”, or waste, in pre-filledplatters.

It is thus demonstrated the need for a new method of providing a platterof foodstuffs for sale to a consumer.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to present a methodof providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer.

It is a further object of the present invention to present a method ofproviding a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that allows theconsumer to select the foodstuffs to be included in the platter.

It is a further object of the present invention to present a method ofproviding a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that allows theconsumer to select the type of foodstuffs to be included in the platter.

It is a further object of the present invention to present a method ofproviding a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that allows theconsumer to select the quality of foodstuffs to be included in theplatter.

It is a further object of the present invention to present a method ofproviding a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that allows theconsumer to select the quantity of foodstuffs to be included in theplatter.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to present a methodof providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that allowsfoodstuffs with shorter shelf lives to be swapped out when they reachtheir expiration without affecting other foodstuffs.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to present a methodof providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that reducesshrink.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to present a methodof providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to a consumer that aconsumer is more likely to purchase.

Other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from thedescription that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a method of providing a platter offoodstuffs for sale to a consumer whereby the consumer both selects thefoodstuffs to be included in the platter and arranges it thereon in amanner pleasing to the consumer. This method is performed by providing aplatter and a plurality of containers, whereby each of the containers ispre-filled with a single type of foodstuff and is covered with acovering, preferably transparent though an opaque covering with arepresentation of the foodstuffs contained therein would also bepermitted. The platter is configured to receive the individualcontainers by means of a plurality of partitions within the platter,with the compartments formed by the partitions configured to receive theindividual containers. The containers may all be dimensioned the same,or may have different dimensions, with the compartments of the platterbeing similarly dimensioned.

The method involves providing a plurality of containers pre-filled withfoodstuffs of different types, and a plurality of emptycompartmentalized platters. A plurality of preferably transparent coversthat fit the platters may also be provided. Consumers select an emptyplatter, then select from the plurality of containers, placing theselected containers into the compartments of the platter. When done,they may place a cover over the platter. The choice of foodstuffs toselect, and the arrangement of the containers within the platter, issolely the consumer's. This allows a consumer to select those types offoodstuffs that are desired, and to reject those that are not desired.The retailer is able to restock the containers pre-filled withfoodstuffs that are selected by the consumers, thus keeping the popularfoodstuffs readily available for sale. Likewise, the retailer is able toremove expired foodstuffs in order to replace them with saleablefoodstuffs.

The pre-filled containers may be displayed on simple shelving, or inrefrigerated display cases. They may be set out on end caps or onstand-alone central displays, providing another destination point ofpurchase, or they may be set out in existing wall display cases.Consumers may alternately choose to purchase only one or more containerswithout the platter, because they only have need for a small amount offoodstuffs or they may wish to reuse a platter previously purchased. Inany event, the foodstuffs will be more readily available to consumersand more attractive for purchase because of the increased choiceprovided the consumer. Moreover, because the foodstuffs can be rotatedas needed, there will be less shrink involved.

It is to be understood that the foregoing and following description ofthe method of the present invention are intended to be illustrative andexemplary rather than restrictive of the invention as claimed. These andother aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art after review of the entirespecification, accompanying figures, and claims incorporated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan top view of one embodiment of a platter, together witha pair of containers with lids, shown in perspective view.

FIG. 2 is a plan top view of an alternative embodiment of a platter,having a central portion, and a cover, together with a plurality ofcontainers and a cylindrical container with lid, shown in perspectiveview.

FIG. 3 is a plan top view of yet another embodiment of a platter,together with a pair of containers and a cylindrical container, shown inperspective view.

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of a rectangular embodiment of aplatter, together with a container with lid.

FIG. 5 is a plan side view of a platter having an angled side wall andangled partitions, with appropriately configured containers filled withfoodstuffs placed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method of the present invention for providing a platter 100 offoodstuffs 10 for sale to a consumer requires a platter 100, a pluralityof containers 200, and foodstuffs 10.

The platter 100 must have a substantially planar base 110 having aperimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. It has a continuouscircumferential side wall 120, with the side wall 120 located adjacentto the perimeter edge of the base 110 of the platter 100 on its topsurface. The side wall 120 is oriented substantially perpendicular tothe base 110 of the platter 100 and has a substantially uniform heightand a top edge. The platter 100 may be substantially round orrectangular or any other suitable shape. This basic configuration istypical of platters known in the art. The platter 100 may be formed ofany suitable material, such as plastic. The platter 100 may be made ofan opaque material, a translucent material, or a substantiallytransparent material. For nontransparent platters, the platter 100 maycome in any color desired. In one embodiment the platter 100 may bemanufactured using a vacuum forming process.

The platter 100 must also have a plurality of partitions 130. Each ofthe partitions 130 is located adjacent to the base 110 of the platter100 on its top surface, and extends upward from the base 110 of theplatter 100. Each of the partitions 130 has a height substantially thesame as the height of each other partition 130. Each of the partitions130 is spaced substantially apart from each other partition 130 and hasat most one point of contact with any other partition 130. Thepartitions 130 may be separate members inserted into slots formed intothe base 110 of the platter 100. As such, they may be removable from theplatter 100 or permanently affixed thereto. Alternatively, thepartitions 130 may be integral with the platter 100, formed at the sametime the platter 100 is formed. Each of the plurality of partitions 130may be substantially planar. Each of the plurality of partitions 130 maybe oriented substantially perpendicular to the base 110 of the platter100. In the preferred embodiments the height of each partition 130 ofthe platter 100 is not greater than the height of the side wall 120 ofthe platter 100. Where the platter 100 is substantially round, theplurality of partitions 130 may be arranged in a regular radial pattern.See FIG. 1. Alternatively, the partitions 130 may be irregularly spaced.Where the platter 100 is substantially rectangular, the plurality ofpartitions 130 may be arranged in a regular rectangular grid pattern.See FIG. 4. Alternatively, the partitions 130 may be arranged in anirregular rectangular grid pattern.

The plurality of partitions 130 and the side wall 120 of the platter 100define a plurality of compartments 140. Each compartment 140 comprises avolume located between at least one pair of adjacent partitions 130 andabove a portion of the base 110 of the platter 100 located between thatpair of adjacent partitions 130. The upper portion of the compartment140 is opened. Where the platter 100 is substantially round, each of theplurality of compartments 140 of the platter 100 is substantiallywedge-shaped. Where the platter 100 is substantially rectangular, eachof the plurality of compartments 140 of the platter 100 is substantiallyrectangular as well. Depending on the placement of the plurality ofpartitions 130, each of the compartments 140 may be substantially of thesame size and configuration as each other of the compartments 140, ordifferent compartments 140 may be sized and configured differently.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the circumferential sidewall 120 of the platter 100 angles slightly outward as it extends awayfrom the base 110 of the platter 100, such that the top edge of thecircumferential side wall 120 of the platter 100 has a slightly greatercircumference than the perimeter edge of the base 110 of the platter100. See FIG. 5. In such embodiments, each of the plurality ofpartitions 130 may have a thickness, with the thickness of eachpartition 130 proximate to the base 110 of the platter 100 slightlygreater than the thickness of that partition 130 distal from the base110 of the platter 100. This configuration of the partitions 130,together with the described configuration of the side wall 120 of theplatter 100, together define compartments 140 which are somewhat largerat their top openings than at their bottoms along the base 110 of theplatter 100.

Each of the plurality of containers 200 is configured as follows: eachcontainer 200 has a substantially planar base 210 having a perimeteredge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A continuous circumferentialside wall 220 is located adjacent to the perimeter edge of the base 210of the container 200 on the top surface of the base 210 of the container200 and oriented substantially perpendicular to the base 210 of thecontainer 200. The circumferential side wall 220 of has a substantiallyuniform height and a top edge. In some embodiments the height of theside wall 220 of each container 200 is not greater than the height ofthe side wall 120 of the platter 100. Each of the plurality ofcontainers 200 may be made of an opaque material, a translucentmaterial, or a substantially transparent material. For nontransparentcontainers 200, the containers 200 may come in any color desired. Eachof the plurality of containers 200 also has a removable covering 250.Each covering 250 is suitably configured to be placed onto the top edgeof the side wall 220 of its corresponding container 200 and securedthereto. In some embodiments the covering 250 may be a reusable lid. Inother embodiments it may be a single use sheet of disposable plasticwrap. In the preferred embodiments the covering 250 is transparent. Eachof the plurality of containers 200 is dimensioned to fit within at leastone of the plurality of compartments 140 of the platter 100. In thepreferred embodiments of the present invention each of the plurality ofcontainers 200 is dimensioned to snugly fit within at least one of theplurality of compartments 140 of the platter 100.

In the embodiments where the side wall 120 of the platter 100 is angledslightly outward as it extends away from the base 110 of the platter100, the circumferential side wall 220 of each of the plurality ofcontainers 200 may also angle slightly outward as it extends away fromthe base 210 of the container 200. This configuration results in the topedge of the circumferential side wall 220 of each container 200 having aslightly greater circumference than the perimeter edge of the base 210of the container 200. In the most preferred embodiments the angle of thecircumferential side wall 220 of each of the containers 200 issubstantially the same as the angle of the circumferential side wall 120of the platter 100. See FIG. 5.

In embodiments of the present invention where the platter 100 issubstantially round, the platter 100 may have a circular central portion118. See FIG. 2. The partitions 130 of the platter 100 are arranged in aregular radial pattern around the central portion of the platter 100,but the partitions 130 do not extend into the central portion of theplatter 100. Each of the plurality of compartments 140 of the platter100 is substantially wedge-shaped, except for the compartment 140 formedin the central portion of the platter 100, which is substantially round.So configured, each of the plurality of containers 200 is alsosubstantially wedge-shaped with a forward portion being truncated, suchthat when each container 200 is placed into a compartment 140 of theplatter 100 the container 200 also does not extend into the centralportion of the platter 100. See FIG. 2. There may also be a plurality ofcylindrical containers 300, with each cylindrical container 300 having asubstantially planar base 310 having a perimeter edge, a top surface, abottom surface, and a continuous circumferential side wall 320, with thecircumferential side wall 320 located adjacent to the edge of the base310 of that cylindrical container 300 on the top surface of the base 310of that cylindrical container 300 and oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the base 310 of that cylindrical container 300. Thecircumferential side wall 320 of the cylindrical container 300 has asubstantially uniform height and a top edge. In the preferred embodimentthe height of the side wall 320 of each cylindrical container 300 is notgreater than the height of the side wall 120 of the platter 100. Each ofthe plurality of cylindrical containers 300 may be made of an opaquematerial, a translucent material, or a substantially transparentmaterial. For nontransparent cylindrical containers 300, the cylindricalcontainers 300 may come in any color desired. A removable circularcovering 350 is suitably configured to be placed onto the top edge ofthe side wall 320 of each of the cylindrical containers 300 and securedthereto. In some embodiments the circular covering 350 may be a reusablecircular lid. In other embodiments it may be a single use sheet ofdisposable plastic wrap. In the preferred embodiments the circularcoverings 350 are transparent. Each of the plurality of cylindricalcontainers 300 is dimensioned to fit within the circular central portion118 of the platter 100.

In the embodiments where the side wall 120 of the platter 100 is angledslightly outward as it extends away from the base 110 of the platter100, the circumferential side wall 320 of each of the plurality ofcylindrical containers 300 may also angle slightly outward as it extendsaway from the base 310 of that cylindrical container 300. See FIG. 5.This configuration results in the top edge of the circumferential sidewall 320 of each cylindrical container 300 having a slightly greatercircumference than the perimeter edge of the base 310 of thatcylindrical container 300. In the most preferred embodiments the angleof the circumferential side wall 320 of each of the cylindricalcontainers 300 is substantially the same as the angle of thecircumferential side wall 120 of the platter 100.

In some embodiments there is an optional cover 400. See FIG. 2. Thecover 400 is suitably configured to be placed onto the top edge of theside wall 120 of the platter 100 and be removably secured thereto. Thecover 400 may be flat, or it may be domed. It may be made of anysuitable material, such as plastic. In the preferred embodiments thecover 400 is transparent.

The foodstuffs 10 used in the method of the present invention may becomprised of one or more of the following: vegetables, fruits, meatproducts, cheese, vegetable dip, and sauce. There must be at least twodifferent types of foodstuffs 10. Each container 200 of the plurality ofcontainers 200 will contain only a single type of foodstuff 10. Eachcylindrical container 300 of the plurality of cylindrical containers 300will contain only a single type of foodstuff 10. Alternatively, each ofthe containers 200 and cylindrical containers 300 may contain a mix ofdifferent types of foodstuffs 10. At least two of the plurality ofcontainers 200 must be filled with foodstuffs 10 whereby one of thosecontainers 200 is filled with foodstuffs 10 of a type differing fromthat of the other container 200. Where cylindrical containers 300 areused, at least two of the plurality of cylindrical containers 300 mustbe filled with foodstuffs 10 whereby one of those cylindrical containers300 is filled with foodstuffs 10 of a type differing from that of theother cylindrical container 300. The availability of at least somecontainers 200 and cylindrical containers 300 having differentfoodstuffs 10 gives the consumer a choice of what foodstuffs 10 toinclude with the platter 100.

As described above, the platter 100 may be configured in many differentways. Where the platter 100 is substantially round, the containers 200are arranged in a radial pattern. There may or may not be a centralportion accommodating a cylindrical container 300. The containers 200may be regularly shaped or irregularly shaped. See FIG. 3. Where theplatter 100 is rectangular, the containers 200 may be arranged in a gridpattern. This may be a two-by two grid, or a two-by three grid, or athree-by three grid, or a grid having different numbers of containers200 in each row, such as two containers 200 in the top row, threecontainers 200 in the middle row, and two containers 200 in the bottomrow. See FIG. 4. Any one of these containers 200 may serve the functionof the cylindrical container 300; that is, containing a specializedfoodstuff 10 such as a dip or a sauce. Preferably that container 200will be located somewhere in the middle of the platter 100.

The method for providing a platter 100 of foodstuffs 10 for sale to aconsumer comprises the following steps:

Step A: obtain a platter 100 configured as described above;

Step B: obtain a plurality of containers 200 configured as describedabove;

Step C: fill the plurality of containers 200 with foodstuffs 10 asdescribed above;

Step D: place a covering 250 onto each container 200 having been filledwith foodstuffs 10;

Step E: make the platter 100 available to a consumer for purchase;

Step F: make the plurality of containers 200 filled with foodstuffs 10available to the consumer for purchase;

Step G: have the consumer select the platter 100;

Step H: have the consumer select a plurality of containers 200 filledwith foodstuffs 10;

Step I: have the consumer place each selected container 200 into one ofthe compartments 140 of the platter 100; and

Step J: have the consumer purchase the platter 100 of foodstuffs 10.

In the foregoing method, Step A and Step B may be performed in any orderor simultaneously; Step B and Step C may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each container that is filled with foodstuffsin Step C is first obtained in Step B; Step C and Step D may beperformed in any order or simultaneously, as long as each container thathas a covering placed on it in Step D has first been filled withfoodstuffs in Step C; Step A and Step D must be performed before Step Eand Step F; Step E and Step F may be performed in any order; Step E andStep F must be performed before Step G and Step H; Step G and Step H maybe performed in any order or simultaneously; Step G must be performedbefore Step I; Step H and Step I may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each container that is placed into one of thecompartments of the platter in Step I is first selected by the consumerin Step H; and Step H and Step I must be performed before Step J.

This basic method may be modified by the performance of the followingadditional steps:

Step A1: obtain a cover 400 as described above;

Step E1: make the cover 400 available to the consumer for purchase; and

Step I1: have the consumer place the cover 400 onto the top edge of theside wall 120 of the platter 100.

In this modified method, Step A, Step A1, and Step B may be performed inany order or simultaneously; Step E, Step E1, and Step F may beperformed in any order; Step A, Step A1, and Step D must be performedbefore Step E1; Step E1 must be performed before Step G and Step H; StepH and Step I must be performed before Step I1; and Step I1 must beperformed before Step J.

Where the platter 100 is substantially round and has a circular centralportion 118, as described above, the basic method may be modified by theperformance of the following additional steps:

Step B1: obtain a plurality of cylindrical containers 300 as describedabove;

Step C1: fill the plurality of cylindrical containers 300 withfoodstuffs 10;

Step D1: place a circular covering 350 onto each cylindrical container300 having been filled with foodstuffs 10;

Step F1: make the plurality of cylindrical containers 300 filled withfoodstuffs 10 available to the consumer for purchase;

Step H1: have the consumer select one of the plurality of cylindricalcontainers 300 filled with foodstuffs 10; and

Step H2: have the consumer place the selected cylindrical container 300into the central portion of the platter 100.

In this modified method, Step A, Step B, and Step B1 may be performed inany order or simultaneously; Step B1 and Step C1 may be performed in anyorder or simultaneously, as long as each cylindrical container that isfilled with foodstuffs in Step C1 is first obtained in Step B1; Step Cand Step C1 may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step C1 andStep D1 may be performed in any order or simultaneously, as long as eachcylindrical container that has a circular covering placed on it in StepD1 has first been filled with foodstuffs in Step C1; Step D and Step D1may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step A and Step D1 mustbe performed before Step E, Step F, and Step F1; Step E, Step F, andStep F1 may be performed in any order; Step E, Step F, and Step F1 mustbe performed before Step G, Step H, and Step H1; Step G, Step H, andStep H1 may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step H1 must beperformed before Step H2; Step H2 and Step I may be performed in anyorder or simultaneously; and Step H2 and Step I must be performed beforeStep J.

Modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments ofthe present invention without departing from the subject or spirit ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A method for providing a platter of foodstuffs for sale to aconsumer, said method comprising the following steps: Step A: obtain aplatter, said platter having a substantially planar base having aperimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, a continuouscircumferential side wall, said side wall located adjacent to theperimeter edge of the base of the platter on the top surface of the baseof the platter and oriented substantially perpendicular to the base ofthe platter, said side wall having a top edge and a substantiallyuniform height, a plurality of partitions, each said partition locatedadjacent to the base of the platter on the top surface of the base ofthe platter and extending upward from the base of the platter, with eachpartition spaced substantially apart from each other partition, and aplurality of compartments, each compartment comprising a volume locatedbetween a pair of adjacent partitions and above a portion of the base ofthe platter located between said pair of adjacent partitions; Step B:obtain a plurality of containers, with each container having asubstantially planar base having a perimeter edge, a top surface, and abottom surface, a continuous circumferential side wall, saidcircumferential side wall of said container located adjacent to theperimeter edge of the base of said container on the top surface of thebase of said container and oriented substantially perpendicular to thebase of said container, said circumferential side wall of said containerhaving a top edge and a substantially uniform height, and a removablecovering, said covering suitably configured to be placed onto the topedge of the side wall of said container and secured thereto, with eachcontainer dimensioned to fit within at least one of the plurality ofcompartments of the platter; Step C: fill the plurality of containerswith foodstuffs; Step D: onto each of the containers having been filledwith foodstuffs, place one of the coverings; Step E: make the platteravailable to a consumer for purchase; Step F: make the plurality ofcontainers filled with foodstuffs available to the consumer forpurchase; Step G: have the consumer select the platter; Step H: have theconsumer select a plurality of containers filled with foodstuffs; StepI: have the consumer place each selected container into one of thecompartments of the platter; and Step J: have the consumer purchase theplatter of foodstuffs.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising thefollowing additional steps: Step A1: obtain a cover, said cover suitablyconfigured to be placed onto the top edge of the side wall of theplatter and secured thereto, Step E1: make the cover available to theconsumer for purchase; and Step I1: have the consumer place the coveronto the top edge of the side wall of the platter.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the platter obtained in Step A is substantially roundand has a circular central portion, the partitions of the platter arearranged in a regular radial pattern around the central portion of theplatter, the partitions do not extend into the central portion of theplatter, each of the plurality of compartments of the platter issubstantially wedge-shaped, each of the plurality of containers obtainedin Step B is substantially wedge-shaped with a forward portion beingtruncated, such that when said container is placed into a compartment ofthe platter in Step I the container does not extend into the centralportion of the platter; said method further comprising the followingadditional steps: Step B1: obtain a plurality of cylindrical containers,with each cylindrical container having a substantially planar basehaving a perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, acontinuous circumferential side wall, said circumferential side walllocated adjacent to the edge of the base of said cylindrical containeron the top surface of the base of said cylindrical container andoriented substantially perpendicular to the base of said cylindricalcontainer, said circumferential side wall having a top edge and asubstantially uniform height, and a removable circular covering, saidcircular covering suitably configured to be placed onto the top edge ofthe side wall of said cylindrical container and secured thereto, witheach of the plurality of cylindrical containers dimensioned to fitwithin the circular central portion of the platter; Step C1: fill theplurality of cylindrical containers with foodstuffs; Step D1: onto eachof the cylindrical containers having been filled with foodstuffs, placeone of the circular coverings; Step F1: make the plurality ofcylindrical containers filled with foodstuffs available to the consumerfor purchase; Step H1: have the consumer select one of the plurality ofcylindrical containers filled with foodstuffs; and Step H2: have theconsumer place the selected cylindrical container into the centralportion of the platter.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising thefollowing additional steps: Step A1: obtain a cover, said cover suitablyconfigured to be placed onto the top edge of the side wall of theplatter and secured thereto, Step E1: make the cover available to theconsumer for purchase; and Step I1: have the consumer places the coveronto the top edge of the side wall of the platter.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the platter obtained in Step A is substantially round,the partitions of the platter are arranged in a regular radial pattern,and each of the plurality of compartments of the platter issubstantially wedge-shaped.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the platterobtained in Step A is substantially rectangular, the partitions of theplatter are arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, and each of theplurality of compartments of the platter is substantially rectangular.7. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of containersfilled with foodstuffs in Step C is filled with foodstuffs of a singletype, and with at least two of the plurality of containers are eachfilled with foodstuffs of a type differing from that of each other ofsaid at least two of the plurality of containers.
 8. The method of claim1 wherein each of the plurality of containers filled with foodstuffs inStep C is filled with two or more types of foodstuffs, and with at leasta first container of the plurality of containers being filled with twoor more types of foodstuffs and at least a second container of theplurality of containers being filled with two or more types offoodstuffs which differ from the two or more types of foodstuffs of thefirst container.
 9. The method of claim 3 wherein each of the pluralityof cylindrical containers filled with foodstuffs in Step C1 is filledwith foodstuffs of a single type, and with at least two of the pluralityof cylindrical containers are each filled with foodstuffs of a typediffering from that of each other of said at least two of the pluralityof cylindrical containers.
 10. The method of claim 3 wherein each of theplurality of cylindrical containers filled with foodstuffs in Step C isfilled with two or more types of foodstuffs, and with at least a firstcylindrical container of the plurality of cylindrical containers beingfilled with two or more types of foodstuffs and at least a secondcylindrical container of the plurality of cylindrical containers beingfilled with two or more types of foodstuffs which differ from the two ormore types of foodstuffs of the first cylindrical container.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the foodstuffs placed into the plurality ofcontainers is comprised of one of the following group: vegetables,fruits, meat products, cheese, vegetable dip, and sauce.
 12. The methodof claim 3 wherein the foodstuffs placed into the plurality ofcylindrical containers is comprised of one of the following group:vegetables, fruits, meat products, cheese, vegetable dip, and sauce. 13.The method of claim 1 wherein the platter is substantially transparent.14. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of containers issubstantially transparent.
 15. The method of claim 3 wherein each of theplurality of cylindrical containers is substantially transparent. 16.The method of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of removablecoverings is substantially transparent.
 17. The method of claim 3wherein each of the plurality of circular removable coverings issubstantially transparent.
 18. The method of claim 2 wherein theremovable cover is substantially transparent.
 19. The method of claim 4wherein the removable cover is substantially transparent.
 20. The methodof claim 1 wherein each partition has a height substantially the same asthe height of each other partition.
 21. The method of claim 1 whereinthe height of each partition of the platter is not greater than theheight of the side wall of the platter, and the height of the side wallof each container is not greater than the height of the side wall of theplatter.
 22. The method of claim 3 wherein the height of each partitionof the platter is not greater than the height of the side wall of theplatter, the height of the side wall of each container is not greaterthan the height of the side wall of the platter, and the height of theside wall of each cylindrical container is not greater than the heightof the side wall of the platter.
 23. The method of claim 4 wherein thecover is domed.
 24. The method of claim 1 wherein the circumferentialside wall of the platter angles slightly outward as it extends away fromthe base of the platter, such that the top edge of the circumferentialside wall of the platter has a slightly greater circumference than theperimeter edge of the base of the platter.
 25. The method of claim 1wherein the circumferential side wall of each of the plurality ofcontainers angles slightly outward as it extends away from the base ofsaid container, such that the top edge of the circumferential side wallof said container has a slightly greater circumference than theperimeter edge of the base of said container.
 26. The method of claim 25wherein each of the plurality of partitions has a thickness, with thethickness of said partition proximate to the base of the platterslightly greater than the thickness of said partition distal from thebase of the platter.
 27. The method of claim 3 wherein thecircumferential side wall of each of the plurality of cylindricalcontainers angles slightly outward as it extends away from the base ofsaid cylindrical container, such that the top edge of thecircumferential side wall of said cylindrical container has a slightlygreater circumference than the perimeter edge of the base of saidcylindrical container.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein each of theplurality of partitions has a thickness, with the thickness of saidpartition proximate to the base of the platter slightly greater than thethickness of said partition distal from the base of the platter.
 29. Themethod of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of partitions issubstantially planar.
 30. The method of claim 1 wherein each of theplurality of partitions is oriented substantially perpendicular to thebase of the platter.
 31. The method of claim 1 wherein each of theplurality of compartments is dimensioned substantially the same as eachother compartment.
 32. The method of claim 1 wherein each of theplurality of containers is dimensioned to snugly fit within at least oneof the plurality of compartments of the platter.
 33. The method of claim1 wherein the platter obtained in Step A is substantially round and hasa circular central portion, the partitions of the platter are arrangedin a regular radial pattern around the central portion of the platter,the partitions do not extend into the central portion of the platter,each of the plurality of containers obtained in Step B is suitablyshaped such that when said container is placed into a compartment of theplatter in Step I the container does not extend into the central portionof the platter; said method further comprising the following additionalsteps: Step B1: obtain a plurality of cylindrical containers, with eachcylindrical container having a substantially planar base having aperimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, a continuouscircumferential side wall, said circumferential side wall locatedadjacent to the edge of the base of said cylindrical container on thetop surface of the base of said cylindrical container and orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the base of said cylindrical container,said circumferential side wall having a top edge and a substantiallyuniform height, and a removable circular covering, said circularcovering suitably configured to be placed onto the top edge of the sidewall of said cylindrical container and secured thereto, with each of theplurality of cylindrical containers dimensioned to fit within thecircular central portion of the platter; Step C1: fill the plurality ofcylindrical containers with foodstuffs; Step D1: onto each of thecylindrical containers having been filled with foodstuffs, place one ofthe circular coverings; Step F1: make the plurality of cylindricalcontainers filled with foodstuffs available to the consumer forpurchase; Step H1: have the consumer select one of the plurality ofcylindrical containers filled with foodstuffs; and Step H2: have theconsumer place the selected cylindrical container into the centralportion of the platter.
 34. The method of claim 33 further comprisingthe following additional steps: Step A1: obtain a cover, said coversuitably configured to be placed onto the top edge of the side wall ofthe platter and secured thereto, Step E1: make the cover available tothe consumer for purchase; and Step I1: have the consumer places thecover onto the top edge of the side wall of the platter.
 35. The methodof claim 1 whereby Step A and Step B may be performed in any order orsimultaneously; Step B and Step C may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each container that is filled with foodstuffsin Step C is first obtained in Step B; Step C and Step D may beperformed in any order or simultaneously, as long as each container thathas a covering placed on it in Step D has first been filled withfoodstuffs in Step C; Step A and Step D are performed before Step E andStep F; Step E and Step F may be performed in any order; Step E and StepF are performed before Step G and Step H; Step G and Step H may beperformed in any order or simultaneously; Step G is performed beforeStep I; Step H and Step I may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each container that is placed into one of thecompartments of the platter in Step I is first selected by the consumerin Step H; and Step H and Step I are performed before Step J.
 36. Themethod of claim 2 whereby Step A, Step A1, and Step B may be performedin any order or simultaneously; Step E, Step E1, and Step F may beperformed in any order; Step A, Step A1, and Step D are performed beforeStep E1; Step E1 is performed before Step G and Step H; Step H and StepI are performed before Step I1; and Step I1 is performed before Step J.37. The method of claim 3 whereby Step A, Step B, and Step B1 may beperformed in any order or simultaneously; Step B1 and Step C1 may beperformed in any order or simultaneously, as long as each cylindricalcontainer that is filled with foodstuffs in Step C1 is first obtained inStep B1; Step C and Step C1 may be performed in any order orsimultaneously; Step C1 and Step D1 may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each cylindrical container that has acircular covering placed on it in Step D1 has first been filled withfoodstuffs in Step C1; Step D and Step D1 may be performed in any orderor simultaneously; Step A and Step D1 are performed before Step E, StepF, and Step F1; Step E, Step F, and Step F1 may be performed in anyorder; Step E, Step F, and Step F1 are performed before Step G, Step H,and Step H1; Step G, Step H, and Step H1 may be performed in any orderor simultaneously; Step H1 is performed before Step H2; Step H2 and StepI may be performed in any order or simultaneously; and Step H2 and StepI are performed before Step J.
 38. The method of claim 4 whereby Step A,Step A1, Step B, and Step B1 may be performed in any order orsimultaneously; Step A1 is performed before Step C and Step C1; Step E,Step E1, Step F, and Step F1 may be performed in any order; Step D andStep D1 are performed before Step E1; Step E1 is performed before StepG, Step H, and Step H1; Step H2 and Step I are performed before Step I1;and Step I1 is performed before Step J.
 39. The method of claim 33whereby Step A, Step B, and Step B1 may be performed in any order orsimultaneously; Step B1 and Step C1 may be performed in any order orsimultaneously, as long as each cylindrical container that is filledwith foodstuffs in Step C1 is first obtained in Step B1; Step C and StepC1 may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step C1 and Step D1may be performed in any order or simultaneously, as long as eachcylindrical container that has a circular covering placed on it in StepD1 has first been filled with foodstuffs in Step C1; Step D and Step D1may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step A and Step D1 areperformed before Step E, Step F, and Step F1; Step E, Step F, and StepF1 may be performed in any order; Step E, Step F, and Step F1 areperformed before Step G, Step H, and Step H1; Step G, Step H, and StepH1 may be performed in any order or simultaneously; Step H1 is performedbefore Step H2; Step G and Step H1 are performed before Step I; Step H2and Step I may be performed in any order or simultaneously; and Step H2and Step I are performed before Step J.
 40. The method of claim 34whereby Step A, Step A1, Step B, and Step B1 may be performed in anyorder or simultaneously; Step A1 is performed before Step C and Step C1;Step E, Step E1, Step F, and Step F1 may be performed in any order; StepD and Step D1 are performed before Step E1; Step E1 is performed beforeStep G, Step H, and Step H1; Step H2 and Step I are performed beforeStep I1; and Step I1 is performed before Step J.